The world has been shaken by the news that basketball legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41.
The former LA Lakers star was flying over California when, according to TMZ, a fire started and caused the helicopter to spiral and crash.
Reports say nobody on board the helicopter survived the crash with all five passengers dying in the tragic accident, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Bryant, who has long been regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, won five NBA Championships in his illustrious 20-year long career with the Lakers.
He was also an NBA All-Star 18 times and was crowned the league’s Most Valuable Player among many other accolades.
In addition to his basketball achievements, Bryant was a massive football fan. The former Laker famously supported AC Milan while also participating in commercials alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.
The passing of the icon has left the sporting world in mourning, with many footballers and clubs expressing their grief.
The likes of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, Juventus attacker Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina icon Diego Maradona and Manchester City attacker Sergio Aguero were among those who took to social media to pay tribute to the world-famous athlete.
So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend💔 pic.twitter.com/qKb3oiDHxH
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 26, 2020
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) January 26, 2020
Neymar's tribute to Kobe Bryant is beautiful 😢pic.twitter.com/fXP1Q9noS0
— Goal (@goal) January 26, 2020
A legend in one sport who loved, and was loved in, ours.#RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/DwzJ2kox4C
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) January 26, 2020
Descanse em paz, meu amigo 🙏🏿 😭 pic.twitter.com/vRqNRyoIhp
— Ronaldinho Gaúcho (@10Ronaldinho) January 26, 2020
Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Kobe Bryant.
He was a true sporting icon and transcended the sport of basketball.
Our thoughts are with Kobe Bryant's friends, family and the entire Lakers organisation during this tragic time 💙 pic.twitter.com/Bg9cQN83ZG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 26, 2020
Rest in peace KOBE BRYANT and all the victims who have passed away in that tragic accident and give all my condolences to family and friends😌🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5wecXPdmaS
— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) January 26, 2020
Legend. #RIPKobe 🙏
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) January 26, 2020
Rest in Peace, Mamba. pic.twitter.com/BgcDnXLCyZ
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) January 26, 2020
A true sporting icon.
Rest in peace, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/4BuwDWtJ94— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 26, 2020
You’ve been an example for our generation R.I.P. Legend pic.twitter.com/m8Keded2Zs
— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) January 26, 2020
Source: Goal.com
